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Choosing Vinyl Flooring As A Pet Owner

Choosing the right flooring when you have pets can be a challenge. You need something durable, easy to clean, and comfortable both for your pets and your family. Vinyl flooring is often recommended for households with pets due to its numerous pet-friendly properties. This guide will help you navigate the options and select the best vinyl flooring for your home to stand up to the wear and tear of your furry friends.

Understanding the Benefits of Vinyl Flooring for Pet Owners

Vinyl flooring offers several advantages that make it suitable for homes with pets:

  1. DurabilityVinyl is highly resistant to scratches and stains, which is crucial in a home with pets. Its tough surface can withstand pet nails and accidents better than many other flooring types.
  2. Water ResistanceOne of the biggest advantages of vinyl flooring is its resistance to moisture. Spills, accidents, and muddy paws can be cleaned up easily without damaging the floor.
  3. ComfortVinyl can be softer underfoot compared to tile or wood, which is better for the joints of both pets and humans. It can also be warmer, providing a more comfortable surface for pets to lie on.
  4. Hygiene: Vinyl flooring doesn’t harbour allergens and is easy to sweep and mop, helping to keep your home free from pet dander and hair.

Choosing the Right Type of Vinyl Flooring

Collectively, vinyl flooring very rarely requires an underlay, so you can save money on that while pricing up your new flooring. There’s 3 similar options we’d like to mention individually though. When selecting vinyl flooring for a home with pets, consider the following options:

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT):

LVT is known for its realistic designs that mimic natural materials such as wood and stone. It is composed of multiple layers that make it thick, durable, and comfortable to walk on. It’s more expensive than sheet vinyl and doesn’t protect from splashes as well but it’s more resistant to scratches and scuffs.

2. Vinyl Sheet Flooring: 

Vinyl sheets come in large, continuous pieces, reducing seams where dirt and moisture can accumulate. This makes vinyl sheet flooring particularly good for areas of high pet traffic like entryways or mudrooms, we also made it our top pick for bathroom flooring too.

3. Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) Flooring: 

While not really “Vinyl flooring”, SPC is an alternative, waterproof flooring option. SPC Flooring is extremely durable and stable thanks to its dense core made from a combination of limestone and stabilizers. It is highly resistant to scratches and indentations, making it ideal for homes with larger or more active pets. It’s more expensive than LVT typically, but it’s durability is superior in terms of water resistance and it also resists scratches a lot better. 

Features to Look For

  • Slip Resistance: Look for vinyl flooring with textured surfaces to provide better traction for your pets. This can help prevent injuries caused by slipping.
  • Thickness and Wear Layer: Choose a vinyl flooring option with a thick wear layer. The wear layer is the clear top coating that protects the floor from scratches and stains. A thicker wear layer means better durability against pet claws.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Select vinyl flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. Options with fewer seams and protective coatings are preferable as they prevent dirt and liquid from penetrating the surface.

Prevention and Protection

  1. Regular Nail Trimming: Keeping your pets’ nails trimmed can help minimize scratches on your vinyl flooring. (Here’s how to trim pet nails)
  2. Rugs and Mats: Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to protect your flooring and provide extra comfort for your pets.
  3. Cleaning Routine: Establish a regular cleaning routine to remove dirt and pet hair. Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products to avoid damaging the floor.

Conclusion

Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for pet owners due to its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. When choosing the best vinyl flooring for your home, consider the type of pets you have, the level of activity in your home, and your personal style preferences. By selecting the right type of vinyl and taking steps to maintain it, you can enjoy a beautiful, pet-friendly floor that lasts for years.

On the hunt for new flooring? At Easipay Flooring we offer Carpets, Laminate, Vinyl, SPC and LVT flooring at affordable prices and we even let you break down the cost into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plans too, completely interest free! Sound good? Tap the button below to get set up a home visit to see our samples and get your free quote!

Still Got Questions? Here's 5 FAQs!

While no flooring is completely scratch-proof, high-quality vinyl flooring is highly scratch-resistant. Vinyl with a thick wear layer and quality manufacturing can withstand pet claws much better than other flooring types.

Vinyl flooring is generally very resistant to stains, including those from pet accidents. However, it is always best to clean up accidents promptly to prevent any possible staining or damage.

It’s advisable to sweep or vacuum daily to remove pet hair and dirt, and mop at least once a week or more frequently in areas of high traffic or where pets spend most of their time.

 

Use a soft broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment for daily cleaning. For mopping, use a damp mop with a mild cleaner approved for vinyl flooring. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals.

Opt for vinyl flooring with a textured surface to provide extra traction. Additionally, you can place non-slip mats or rugs in key areas where your pets frequently play or run.

Minor scratches can often be buffed out with a vinyl floor sealer. For deeper scratches or tears, it might be necessary to replace the affected plank or tile. Keeping extra flooring pieces on hand for repairs can be helpful.

Brands like Armstrong, Shaw, and Mannington are well-known for their durable and high-quality vinyl products that are suitable for households with pets. Look for products specifically labelled as pet-friendly.

Yes, textured vinyl flooring in a colour or pattern that matches your pet’s fur can help conceal hair and dirt between cleanings. Multi-tonal and darker colours tend to hide dirt and pet hair more effectively than solid, light colours.

Yes, vinyl flooring works well with underfloor heating systems. Just ensure that the temperature settings are suitable for vinyl to prevent warping or damage. This combination can provide a warm surface for pets during colder months.

To prevent fading, use window treatments such as blinds, curtains, or UV window films to block or filter sunlight. Regularly rearranging rugs and furniture can also help reduce uneven exposure and fading.

Always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t bleach or discolour the carpet. Dilute it properly and use it cautiously.

Yes, professional carpet cleaners have specialized tools and cleaning solutions that can remove stains that household remedies cannot, especially on stubborn or older stains.

Baking soda can be an alternative for lighter stains. For tougher stains, mixing baking soda with vinegar to create a paste can provide an extra cleaning boost.

General recommendations suggest professional cleaning once a year, but you may consider more frequent cleaning if you have light-coloured carpets or high-traffic areas.

Avoid using hot water, scrubbing the carpet harshly, or using coloured towels that might transfer dye onto the carpet.